Evaluation of stress and crack behavior using the extended finite element method in the composite layer of a type III hydrogen storage vessel

Abstract

To facilitate the widespread use of fuel cell vehicles, it is necessary to ensure the safety of high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels. Because the composite layer experiences the highest internal pressure, cracks in the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) layer of type III high-pressure vessels directly affect their safety. In this study, we evaluate the crack behavior in a type III high-pressure hydrogen vessel using a ply modeling method and the extended finite element method. The failure criteria were determined from the maximum principal stress and displacement that exceed the allowable tensile strength, considering the fiber and the transverse directions of each ply. The weak point of the CFRP composite layers was in the transverse direction on the 17th ply at a helical winding angle of 35° in the boundary of the dome and the cylinder. The crack extension was resulted from exceeding the allowable transverse stress at 35° winding angle. These results may be valuable for ensuring the safety of high-pressure hydrogen vessels.